While I never stop admiring my flock, it is about this time of year, without fail, that I get all sheep conscious. Perhaps it is the spring like weather that flirts with us on these rare January evenings, with a much missed sunset escorting shepherd and flock back to the barn. Or maybe it is the anticipation of lambing, only 6 weeks away, that make my admiration levels for these creatures triple. Their hair coats this time of year are so touchable, curly and soft in ringlets, like a rag sheep puppet one might have had in the 50's, with real hair and not made in China.
I know there was a time when I saw sheep in a field as a child, and admired them, the way they looked like spots on a graceful roll of a hill. I suspect that was just one of the many moments that soaked into my skin long ago, and led me to where I am today. Long live the open eyes and heart of the child. And may all shepherds near and far have healthy lambs this season, and mother ewes full of milk and stamina.
